Should the Vikings pay Darnold after his (mostly) excellent season? Or should they go with McCarthy and spend that money at other positions?

National discussion has framed the Vikings' looming quarterback decision as whether they should re-sign veteran Sam Darnold, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. But their first priority is to assess McCarthy's capacity for a quick ascension.

The Vikings rookie collaborated with a YouTuber to give back to the community. Working with Josh Liljenquist, McCarthy bought out all available pizza at a local Twin Cities restaurant and handed it out to homeless people.

Former Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn't get to play football in 2024 due to a preseason injury precluding him from action. However, he's already working to ingratiate himself to the Minnesota Vikings fanbase in Minneapolis.

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have ... an unsettledness that was supposed to be calmed last year when they drafted J.J. McCarthy. Sam Darnold played so well over 16 games after McCarthy ...

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a big arm and a big heart. McCarthy recently collaborated with YouTuber Josh Liljenquist to give back to people in need in the Twin Cities area. He bought a bunch of pizzas and handed them out to homeless folks for free.

J.J. McCarthy is a key to the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason plans, so the additional hurdle he is navigating is especially noteworthy.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy bought more than a dozen pizzas from a OG Zaza in Roseville, then handed them out to homeless people needing a meal.

"His appearance was a visual symbol of the neutral terms Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell used last week in discussing his immediate future," Seifert added. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said McCarthy is on track to where they hoped he'd be after undergoing a full meniscus repair in August.

EAGAN, Minn. -- Many NFL fans were surprised on the night of Jan. 5, when the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback ... team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season ...

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a big arm and a big heart ... the former University of Michigan star might be Minnesota's QB1 in 2025 and beyond.

The Minnesota Vikings have a number of significant 2024 starters scheduled to hit free agency, but bringing this playmaker back is a no-brainer.